#993 days and counting

[corona-journal]

Cover image change; now, and then.

Here's the header image for this blog, which is the first thing of covid pandemic we all relate to. Toilet paper shortages.

And now, in 2022, verging on 2023

Start the count from 28 March 2020 ( Covid restrictions started officially, in Australia) we've been going through this for 993 days....

7 days from now, Friday 23rd December 2022 will be 1000 days of covid pandemic in Australia.

That's a lot of days....

I'd like to note @scrapironflotilla (and associated blogs) with @bundibird and @peashooter85 for their insights and occasional observations during covid.

Double mention to scrap iron flotilla, for his historian insight into what makes a good journal.

16 December 2022.

[dwaekkicidal]

˚ʚ♡ɞ˚ summary: inspired by chan's part in this

˚ʚ♡ɞ˚ word count: almost exactly 1k words lol (993)

˚ʚ♡ɞ˚ warnings: gn!reader; nicknames: honey, pup(py), kinda pervy!3racha but chanxreader, not really bratty but super whiney reader, soft chris until he talks dirty, kinda dacryphilia?, creampie & no protection (don't be silly wrap ur willy also pee after sex pls), exhibitionism, not a warning really but I switch between calling him Chan/Channie & Chris

˚ʚ♡ɞ˚ notes: @chvnmax im so sorry (im not that ask put not normal thoughts in my head.) idk if this is actually full on corruption kink like the og post but it sent me into a pervy skz spiral

DO NOT republish or translate+post my work!

Picture this:

Stray Kids recording day for their next comeback. You’re their cute little 9th member and they always have you do your set of lines last so that they can take their time with you. Everybody but 3racha has already returned to their assigned dorms. Changbin and Chan are sitting in the office chairs while Jisung lounges on the couch (probably asleep).

They watch in awe as you nail most of your lines until you get to one that’s a little too hard. After multiple takes not coming out well, you’re so busy moaning and groaning into the mic out of frustration that you’re chronically unaware of how crystal clear your sounds are coming out for them. Eventually it even gets to the point where you bounce in place out of pure agitation. You’re in a low-cut top and the clear view of your collarbone has the 3 men on the other side of the glass in an absolute chokehold.

“Honey.. You gotta calm down.” Chan says softly into his own mic, adjusting his dick in his pants. You pout and cross your arms across your chest, accidentally pulling your shirt lower as you toss and turn in a fit. Jisung is basically drooling from his spot on the couch and it’s honestly his breaking point. Changbin and him decide to take a 'walk' and say they’ll be back in an hour with food, while Chan says that he’ll stick back with you to help perfect your lines.

It’s all going well until you get to another bump in the recording and you complain into the mic to the point where your eyes water. With the sight of your watery doe eyes and deep pout staring at him from the other side of the glass, Chris really starts to get bothered by the tightness in his pants.

“Come out here, Pup. Let’s take a break.” He says with only pure intentions as he stands and stretches. Little to no ulterior motives while you rush out the room and throw yourself into his arms, rubbing your chest onto him and looking up at him with those pretty eyes again. Completely innocent motives until he glances down to where your bodies meet, his eyes catching a glimpse of your pretty nipples thanks to your shirt dipping even more.

Deciding that he’s had enough he closes his eyes and loudly groans before meeting your eyes again and holding a death grip onto your hips. He leads you to the couch as you look up at him with an innocent look.

“Channie..?” you ask out sweetly. You expect a response but he silently turns you around and bends you over the couch, one of your knees rest on the bottom cushions while he squishes your face into the back cushions.

“You just have to be a little brat, huh. Just can’t be a good puppy for one goddamn day.” He teases and pulls the skimpy booty shorts you wore. He pulls your underwear down to your knees before freeing himself from his stupid jeans. Wanting to skip the prep and knowing you were still loose from the events in the storage room a few hours prior, he pulls out a travel sized bottle of lube from his pocket before squirting some onto his dick.

He gives you no time to react before he rubs himself against you and thrusts into you, setting a fast pace right off the bat. The tears from earlier return and are quickly soaked up by the couch when they finally fall. You whimper apologies into the cushions as Chris lets out filthy comments from behind you.

“It’s never your fault, is it baby?”

“Always a big cry baby until Daddy stuffs his dick inside your pretty little holes.”

“Fuck.. Walk around like a little ‘innocent’ thing when in reality it’s your fault I'm this hard. Rubbing all up on me like a little slut.”

After what feels like forever of him bullying himself into you, the pair of you hear the two loudest mfers in the planet return, getting closer to the door before being stopped by a staff member. They’re right outside the door and you moan loudly into the cushion at the thought of them hearing what's happening behind the unlocked studio door just feet away from your spot on the couch. You're almost thankful for Chris’ big hand that keeps your face on the couch, but that quickly changes as he pulls you back into him by placing a hand on your collarbone. Once your back is to his chest, his hand moves up to trail along your lips. He sticks 2 fingers against your tongue as you hear him speak up from behind you.

"Shh... You want them to hear you?" you clench tightly and his hips stutter "… fuck You do, don't you?.. Yeah? You want them to join us too baby? Want them to help me fill your greedy holes?"

When you cry out into his hand and cum at the thought, he laughs into your neck before chasing his own high. You’re pulled back into reality as you hear the boys finishing up their conversation. Chris pulls out and wipes himself down with tissues, then pulls your underwear back up and smooths down your clothes before returning to his chair.  He takes his seat right as the door knob turns, and he smirks at you as the boys settle the food bags on the coffee table (oh and look at that no more tight pants for either of them lol).

“Eat up, baby. You need to refuel before we continue.” Chan says with a playful look in his eyes. You blush and nod before taking bites of your meal. You watch as Changbin re-records a few adlibs and you swear you can feel something warm dripping out of you.

[aleskie-hischier]

I SEE YOU | Quinn Hughes x Reader SUMMARY: Quinn sees you. Always.

Word Count: 993 Warnings: standard hurt-comfort fic

You don’t know what possessed you to pursue a Master’s degree. You want to hit your younger self for thinking she’d be able to handle this. What, just because she graduated a semester early, she suddenly thought a Master’s could be easy? Well, she was wrong. And you were left to deal with her life choices. 

You were on your third draft of your thesis and you predict it was going to take a million more to get it approved. You had gone into today’s meeting confident, thinking you had finally nailed it, only for your advisor to rip into your work. “The structure is there, but your arguments aren’t clear. There are too many ideas that aren’t well-developed or explained.” And then the nail on the coffin. “I still don’t understand the point of this research.”

You’d been passionate about this topic. You thought it was interesting. New. Fresh. It was hard to not have someone see that. It was hard to have your work grilled and picked apart. Their words, though constructive, blurred together as you nodded mindlessly, part of you zoning out of the meeting, your mind already spinning from the endless bulk of changes you’d have to make. 

“You’re a smart one,” your advisor had said, “But this just isn’t cutting it.”

It echoed in your head. This isn’t cutting it. You’re not cutting it. You’re not good enough. You spent the entire drive home replaying the conversation, the sting of rejection and doubt clawing at your insides. You had done your best—why wasn’t that enough? Would it ever be enough?

You’re hanging on by a thread, on the brink of losing it, by the time you get home. The walls of the apartment are a small sanctuary, but it still feels heavy. Everything feels heavy. You open the door, slip your shoes off, and flip on the lights—one of them flickers. Of course. You swallow the sob threatening to escape your throat, but it rises anyway. Hot tears spill down your cheeks. You crumpled against the door, burying your face in your knees.

At least the apartment was empty. Quinn had training—he wouldn't be back for a while. You could break down in peace. Or so you thought—until you heard the soft thud of footsteps approaching.

You look up to see your beautiful boyfriend’s face, brows furrowed and eyes filled with concern. 

“Oh, baby,” he murmurs, moving closer to meet you at the door. He joins you on the floor, arms wrapping around you, warm and secure, pulling you close without hesitation. You bury your face into his shoulder, inhaling the familiar scent of him—your body wash and his cologne mix together to form a scent that’s distinctly…him. It’s almost enough to soothe the hurt that’s been growing all day.

He holds you tighter, his hand gently drawing circles on your back. “Rough day, huh?”

The rest of the emotions you’ve been bottling up finally spill over, your breath catching as frustration escapes in shaky, stunted sobs. Quinn holds you firmly but gently, soft reassurances falling from his lips. “I’m here, I’ve got you. You’re alright. Just let it out.”

After a while, he stood up effortlessly, scooping you up in his arms and carrying you to the bed. You curl into him, seeking warmth and comfort in the steadiness of his presence. His arms are a protective hiding place, and gradually, your breathing evens out. After what feels like an eternity, you pull back just enough to meet his gaze, your face still streaked with tears, a small pout playing on your lips.

“I don’t know what I’m doing wrong,” you whispered, voice trembling. “I keep trying and I’m doing my best but no one sees it.”

He pulls you in closer, resting his chin on your head as you sling an arm around him. “You have this look on your face when you’re focused,” he says, “You scrunch your nose and bite your lip—pick it apart, actually.” He chuckles. “And you smile so wide and move your hands a lot when you explain your research to me even though you know I won’t understand much of it. You prefer to work in the living room. It doesn’t matter if I’m there watching a game or something else, you stay there and I think it’s because the noise calms you down.”

He moves to look at you, his eyes filled with love. “You like to wear that old UMich hoodie of mine as you write and you always have a bowl of trail mix next to you and you have an iced coffee with three shots of espresso to get you through the long nights.” He places a kiss on your forehead. “I see you. Always will.”

Tears prick at your eyes again. How did you get this lucky? 

“Hey,” he whispers, placing another gentle kiss on your forehead. “Let’s get you into something comfy, yeah?” 

You nod, your voice barely above a whisper. “Okay.”

“Then we’ll order your favorite takeout,” he continues, “And we can watch as many episodes of that vampire show you love. How’s that sound?”

Another nod. The thought of curling up with him on the couch and watching cheesy TV brings the first bout of peace you’ve felt all day. He places another kiss on your forehead, then leads you to the closet.

Before you know it, you’re wrapped up in one of his oversized hoodies, the fabric smelling like him, and curled up on the couch with Quinn snug behind you. The day’s chaos fades into the background as the dramatic music and over-the-top dialogue of your favorite show fills the room. His chest is pressed firmly against your back, his arms securely around you, and every now and then, he presses soft kisses into your hair. Wrapped in his arms, feeling his quiet, steady love surround you—it feels like nothing else exists. 

Right now, everything is perfect.

And that’s enough.

[crazyk-imagine]

Jamie’s Training Coach

Pairing: Jamie Tart x Fem!Reader

Characters: Jamie Tartt, Fem!Reader, Roy Kent, Zava (briefly mentioned)

Warnings: Cursing (it’s Ted Lasso, don’t be surprised), Jamie being half naked, Roy being Roy, the coaching scenes, Reader wanting to hurt Roy, sexual innuendos from Jamie, Roy and reader are low key besties

Word Count: 993

A/N: Y’all already know what happened but I loved it so much... I’ve re-discovered my love for Jamie. That’s all. 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The beginning of training

When Roy offered to coach Jamie at Sam's restaurant, you were surprised (but happy with their now forming friendship, even if neither of them wants to admit it). And then when it first happened, you couldn't believe that Roy was actually at the door. You smacked Jamie's arm at the sound of the banging on the front door. He does not move in the least bit, barely moves an inch (the prick, who you love... not right now though).

And you do it again, to which he whines. "Why are you hitting my arm?" He grabs your hand, holding it against his chest, not wanting to get injured any further.  You groan, squeezing your eyes shut even tighter. "Answer the door."   "Darling, if you keep hitting me, it's going to lead to a punishment which will make me miss my beauty sleep." "Go answer the door or else I'm kicking you to the couch." "I'm not a fucking dog." The knocks are louder and louder as he talks back. "Door, now." He grumbles and slowly pushes himself out of bed, rubbing his eye along the way. "Put pants on." "No, you know I get hot." "I get it, but you don't need to show your cock to the world." "Why? You going to get jealous?" "I don't think an early morning nap at a jail cell is something either of us want." You slowly push yourself out of bed to follow him while putting on Jamie's favorite hoodie (for you) to wear.

- You rub your eyes, "Who the fuck is at the-" you squint, not sure if you're seeing things correctly. "Roy?" "Fucking hell," Jamie mutters. "Hello, I'm going to... say sorry to you for waking you up but he needs coaching." He drops his arm, after staring at his watch. "All right, let's go." "It's four a.m.," your boyfriend points out. "Yeah," Roy nods. "We start at four a.m." "I thought you were joking." "How is that a joke?" "'Cause it's four a.m." "We start at four, so you can do three workouts a day instead of two." He rubs his eye and sighs. "Okay, but it's four a.m." "Do you want to be better than Zava or not?" You roll your eyes, now realizing what this is about. Jamie sighs, "well, how are we gonna see? It's dark out." Sometimes you’re proud of how observant your boyfriend is... right now, not so much. Roy puts on his headlamp, blinding the two of you. "Fucking hell." "Ah, shit. Roy." You put your hand in front of your face. "Turn that fucking thing off." "No. Now get dressed or I start flicking your balls." He scrunches his nose, turning around. "This is perverse." 

Roy glances down at Jamie’s bare bottom, the light of his headlamp making it obvious. 

You snicker because you know this is not what he was expecting to see... until his light blinds you. "I don't like you right now, Roy." "Yeah, I'm not proud of me either. Neither of you are wearing any fucking pants." You pout, fiddling with the end of the hoodie. "I have shorts on, they’re just... very short. I'm not going flash you like Jam-Jam." Roy lowers his face with raised brows. "Jam-Jam?" "Stop talking to him and go back to bed, love!" -

During the training "Why do you only sleep with a top on?" "I get cold upstairs and hot downstairs." Roy nods, "I get that." "It's a stupid excuse for him to get laid. Don't listen to him, Roy." Jamie throws up and his "coach" greets the passer byer. "I thought you went to bed," he groans.   "I did." You push yourself off the bench and hold a bottle of water out for him, while rubbing his back. "But I also know that your body has yet to get used to "Roy Kent's training course". I have to make sure I'll have a boyfriend to come home to me." Roy rolls his eyes when he sees that you've given him a hard stare.  

- 

Once Jamie's gotten used to training

He is all prepared to go next time, which annoys you. "Don't wake me up. I'm gonna get eyes bags," you whine. He chuckles, sitting on your side of the bed with his hand on your hip. "Since when did you care about that?" You flip onto your other side, so you can face him. "Since I've been dating a cocky little shit who likes to train at four in the morning." He chuckles. "You love it." You slowly open your eyes and crack a smile. "Not right now. Go get downstairs and take your phone with you." "I'm not a child." "In case you need to escape from Roy." "You know me so well, darling." He leans down to kiss you until he’s interrupted.  The pounding on the door traumatizes you. “Go, now.”

"Come on, Tartt! One more before dinner!" "That's your cue, Jam-Jam." "I told you to stop calling me that," he tells you with a smile. "And we both know, I won't." He pecks your cheek and lips before running downstairs. Jamie opens the door immediately, heavily breathing with his headlamp already on. "Let's go, Coach." He runs by Roy. Roy puts his on and takes off. "He better come back in one piece, Kent! Or you have to deal with me!" "He'll live to fuck you another day."

Your neighbors shout at you. 

“Shut up and go to sleep! Some people have to work!” You shout back to shut them up. 

“She doesn’t scare you when she shouts like that?” Roy asks, always finding it amusing when you shout at people. 

“Nah,” Jamie shakes his head. “It’s cute. She’s like an angry bunny.” 

You shake your head, after checking on them one last time, before locking the door and going back to bed to play on your phone while you wait for your boyfriend to return.

[fiabex]

Fic In A Box 2024

Schedule

August 9-16: Nominations Pre-Gaming (participants can load tags from last year’s tagset into this tagset)

August 17: Tag Nominations Open

August 24: Tag Nominations Close

August 25-26: Nominations Cleanup

August 27: Signups Open

September 1: Swap requests open

September 7: Signups Close

September 10: Assignments Out By This Date

September 11: Swap requests close

October 20: Assignments Due

October 27: First Extension Due Date

November 3: Final Extension Due Date

November 10: Last Day To Submit Makeup Assignments

November 16 28: Work Reveals

November 30 December 12: Creator Reveals

All times 11:59pm Eastern

What is Fic In A Box

A gift exchange is an event where participants create fanworks to gift to each other. Fic In A Box is a fanwork exchange with a large minimum gifting requirement and several unique features. Gifts can include fic, art, audio, video— and much much more.

How It Works/The Nitty-Gritty:

All participants in Fic In A Box are requesting 10,000 words of fanfiction by default, but can opt in to other mediums to give their gifter options. Mediums can include writing structure things like "in-world rpf" for your gift, or include creative formats as far away from fic as different types of art, knitting patterns, logic puzzles, and so on. There were 288 mediums to choose from last year, and we add more every year.

For mediums other than the written word, pretty much any medium will be accepted, as long as it can be digitized for delivery and we can agree on a clear and easily checked equivalent to 1k of written fic. Participants who primarily work in non-writing mediums are very welcome and will get specially matched (as long as they give the mods a heads-up) so they'll have an assignment they can complete. If your art form is fannish cross-stitch? We'd love to have you join us.

Participants have the option to split the 10k words (or equivalent in an opted-into medium) that they owe between several separate works (say, one fic of 3k and a another of 7k) to reach 10k total. The minimum word count per work is 1k by default, but lower wordcount works will count if your recipient has opted into receiving them. (Drabble is a medium that can be opted into!) And initial assignments are 10k for one person, but at the start of the exchange the mods run Swaps which will give you the chance to split that 10k into multiple shorter assignments for multiple recipients!

So when it comes time to turn in gifts, you might turn in 3k worth of art, 4k in fic, and 3k in typesetting a fic (10k total), and then you receive 8k of fic and 2k of map design (10k total). Last year 265 people signed up, and we exchanged 993 gifts at the end of the creation period, everything from fic to reddit posts to logic puzzles to museum catalogues to CYOA stories to colouring pages!

If you cannot complete the full 10k (or other medium equivalent) but are still able to post one or more smaller, complete works, you can default on just the remaining wordcount. You will then be guaranteed (via finding a back up gifter-- "pinch hitting"-- if necessary) a gift equivalent to the amount you were able to submit (rounded down to the nearest 1k). There are also options to "earn back" guaranteed minimum amount by taking pinch hits or completing your original assignment.

Questions?

For more information about Medium rulesets, signing up, nominations of fandoms, relationships, or medium forms, swaps, or much more (questions about how pinch hits work? we have documentation about that), check out the dreamwidth blog!

If you have questions, feel free to ask them here, check the dreamwidth blog for much more documentation, email the mods, or join our discord server. The discord server has a lot of experienced participants happy to answer questions, and you are also welcome to join just to hang out!

Note: you must be 18 or older to join FIAB.

Links

Email: ficinaboxmod@gmail.com

Ao3 Collection (sign up here once signups open)

Tag Set

Dreamwidth Blog

Discord (includes question channel)

Current Pinch Hits

[thepowerofswayze]

just for you

originally on ao3

pairing: mike schmidt (2023) / fem!reader

word count: 993

warnings & info: 18+, no beta, mostly smut with just a little fluff, established relationship, reader has breasts and a vagina, reader is called a girl, references to later piv sex, fingering, reader comes, mike doesn't, readers birthday! yay!

summary: Mike wakes you up on your birthday :)

note: this one feels a little rushed to me but that's alright. also, not even my birthday, but who cares. happy birthday to me!

☆

You woke to a soft smattering of kisses pressed to the back of your neck. The early morning sun slipped in through the windows, warming your face as you blinked your eyes open. Mike was behind you, your back pressed against his chest. His arm was draped over you, his hand resting on your stomach, as he continued to place sweet kisses down to the nape of your neck and back up to the start of your hairline.

You smiled a little, blinking fully awake. “Hey,” you whispered, moving your hand to lay on top of Mikes, your thumb rubbing along the back.

He hummed, kissing the dip between your neck and shoulder, stubble scraping lightly against your skin. “Morning,” he murmured, voice still gruff with sleep, though clearly he’d been awake a little longer than you had.

Mike's hand began to roam, innocently running up and down your side. You sighed contently, moving your own hand to reach back and feel for him, but he gently took your hand in his, humming a “Mm-mm” as he curled his fingers over yours. You turned back, raising a brow just a bit, repeating the noise to him inquisitively.

He gave you a crooked little smile, leaning down to kiss you as his hand returned to your side, moving under your (his) shirt. “Just you right now,” he murmured between kisses, his hand finding your breast and circling your nipple with his thumb. “You’re the birthday girl, after all.”

Oh. Right.

“Well, I won’t say no to that.” You smiled into the kiss, then pulled away and shifted to lay flat on your back. Mike hovered over you, propped up on one elbow, kissing your neck. His hand trailed away from your breasts, down your torso, until he slipped past the edge of your waistband.

You let out a shaky breath as his finger found your clit, rubbing slow, light circles. His lips found their way to your shoulder, leaving little marks that no one else would see, as his fingers picked up the pace and the pressure.

You let out a moan, quickly clamping your hand over your mouth. You had to be quiet, you remembered. Abby was just down the hall. She didn’t have school, just a sleepover later in the day, but she was likely to wake up soon regardless, and you didn’t want to be the reason.

Mike kissed just under your ear before whispering, his voice low, “Quiet for me, baby.” Then, at your responding muffled whine, “You can be as loud as you want later tonight. I’ll eat you out till you can’t stand it. I’ll fuck you hoarse, if you want.”

He was fucking evil , saying these things and expecting you not to cry out in response. Still, you nodded eagerly, moans reduced to gasps and whimpers with great effort, mouth falling open in silent ecstasy as he pushed two fingers into you. He kissed you, and you took the opportunity to moan a little louder, his mouth muffling the sound.

When he pulled back to look at you, Mike’s pupils were blown wide. “All I wanna do today is make you feel good, baby,” he breathed, his thumb rubbing heavy, sloppy circles on your clit while his fingers pumped in and out of you.

“‘S Good,” you managed, breathless as your hips began to move, grinding down on his fingers. “So good, Mike, it- Shhhhit .”

You could hear his breath catch at his name on your lips. As much as you loved getting all his attention while you just got to lay there and enjoy it, you couldn’t wait to fuck him later. Maybe you’d ride him until you simply couldn’t move anymore, long after he was spent, a babbling mess beneath you. Maybe you’d take him up on the offer to eat you out all night, watching his hazy expression as he got drunk on you, as if he was enjoying it just as much as you were.

Minutes passed, and the anticipation, the whispers against your skin, his fingers working on you tirelessly- it was all driving you to the edge. “I’m- fuck , baby- close,” you gasped. Your breath came rapidly, the need to keep quiet slipping from your mind almost entirely as you neared your release. Mike murmured your name amongst his stream of encouragements, nipping at your ear. His fingers curled inside you, and you were gone.

You folded the pillow over your face as you came, trying to muffle your cries, eyes squeezed shut. Your hips slowed to a stop, but Mike didn’t let up, fingers still moving as the pleasure hit you in waves. “That’s it,” he was saying, pressing kisses to your jaw. The words barely reached you through the blissful haze. The pillow fell away as the loudest of your cries turned to small groans and pants, your eyes still screwed shut. “Look at you,” he murmured.

When you managed to open your eyes, brow furrowed still, Mike was looking at you with something akin to awe. You put your hand on the back of his neck and dragged him down for a kiss.

Finally, you came down, your body relaxing, and he removed his fingers. You watched, still panting, as he stuck his fingers into his mouth, eye contact unwavering. Your breath shuddered.

Mike kissed your cheek, then your nose, letting you bask in the feeling. After a few minutes, you let your hands card through his hair as he pressed his forehead to yours, his thumb making lazy strokes along your hip. He kissed you softly, then nudged his nose with yours. “Cmon,” he said. “You go take a shower and I’ll go make you breakfast. How’s that sound?”

You gave him a smile, barely getting a “Perfect” out before he was scooping you up in his arms. Letting out a yelp, you wrapped your arms around his neck, laughing as he carried you to the bathroom.

[uhhlifeig]

Fidelius Charm - October 23 - word count: 993 - @wolfstarmicrofic (TW: suicide, suicidal thoughts, disassociation, SH)

Sirius hated being alone. 

The silence was too loud, and the emptiness pressed in on him from all sides. 

The nights were the worst. His thoughts spiraled, feeding on his guilt and his anger, but more than anything, on the feeling that he was completely untethered. 

No one was looking for him anymore. Not even James.

He wasn’t sure how he’d wandered into the kitchens earlier. He’d been drifting again, moving on autopilot. He only realized where he was when he glanced down at the counter and saw the knife. 

Now, back in his abandoned classroom, Sirius sat on the floor, the knife balanced in his hand. He turned it over slowly, watching how the dim light reflected off the metal, catching the sharp edge. 

His thumb grazed the blade, and it sliced just enough to draw a thin line of blood. The pain was fleeting, but it was something.

Everything else was numb, hidden away like it was under the Fidelius Charm.

He wasn’t sure how long he’d been sitting there with it. Time blurred when he was alone like this, drifting between thoughts and memories that bled into each other.

You’re just like your parents.

The words echoed in his head- Remus’s voice, Remus’s anger. It wasn’t like the anger his family wielded, cold and sharp and cutting, but it had still been enough to send Sirius to the ground. 

It was enough to bring back every punishment, every corner his mother had shoved him into. Every slap, every scream, every reminder that he wasn’t good enough.

He hadn’t seen his ex-lover since that day, not properly. There had been the apple, that awkward, silent moment in the classroom. 

Remus had said something about caring, but Sirius didn’t believe it. He couldn’t. Caring was something people said when they were on the verge of leaving.

Sirius pressed the tip of the knife against his palm, just hard enough to leave an indent in his skin. He didn’t press hard enough to cut- yet.

The darkness in his mind was swirling faster now, like a storm gathering force. He could feel the weight of it pressing down, threatening to swallow him whole. 

Everything felt too heavy- his thoughts, his chest, the world around him. It was like being trapped underwater, watching everything happen through a distorted, blurry lens.

I ruin everything. I always do.

The knife was cool against his skin, a contrast to the heat building in his chest. 

It wasn’t an impulsive thought, not really. It had been there for days now, creeping in at the edges of his mind whenever the silence grew too loud. 

He was just tired. 

His hand trembled as he lifted the blade, just enough to press the tip against his chest. Hopefully, his feelings, his fire- it would come out of hiding.

But there was nothing.

He lowered his hand, leaning back. He was too tired, too drained. 

Too lost.

Sirius heard the door creak open, but it felt distant, like everything was happening somewhere else. It wasn’t until Remus spoke that the dog animagus felt his heart stutter in his chest.

“Sirius?”

He closed his eyes. The younger boy didn’t belong here. He didn’t want him to see this- didn’t want to ruin Remus’s image of him more than he already had. 

He felt the werewolf come closer, moving cautiously like he was approaching a wild animal. Sirius could feel the tension in the air, but he didn’t look up. He couldn’t.

“What are you doing?” Remus asked.

Sirius didn’t respond at first. He didn’t know what to say. The knife was still in his hand, still heavy in his palm. 

“Thinking,” the noiret muttered, barely audible.

“You’ve been avoiding everyone,” Remus said, his voice quieter now. “And I find you here, like this. Talk to me.”

Sirius swallowed hard, his throat dry. “What’s there to talk about? I’m fine.”

He wasn’t fine. He knew that- but it was easier to lie, easier to pretend that he wasn’t breaking apart at the seams. 

The truth was too ugly, too messy. He couldn’t burden the dirty blonde with that.

“Fine?” Remus repeated. “You’re sitting here with a knife, Sirius. You call that fine?”

Sirius laughed bitterly. He didn’t lift the knife, but his grip on it tightened. “Maybe this is just who I am, Remus. Maybe I’m too broken for any of this.”

“I’m not worth it,” Sirius continued, his voice cracking. “I don’t deserve this- whatever this is. The sort-of friendship, the care. I ruin everything I touch.”

“You don’t ruin things. You’re hurting. That’s not the same thing.”

“It is.”

Silence filled the room again, thick and suffocating. Sirius’s mind was racing, his thoughts spiraling into a dark, endless void. He couldn’t stop them anymore, couldn’t find any way out. 

Everything felt wrong. The world felt wrong. 

He felt wrong.

“I can’t keep doing this,” the gray-eyed boy whispered, his voice barely audible.

“Sirius, don’t- don’t talk like that. You’re not alone. We’re here. I’m here.”

“You shouldn’t be. I fucked up, I hurt you. You don’t need someone like me bogging you down.”

“We hurt you too. Please, Sirius, just let us help.”

Sirius couldn’t believe that anymore. He didn’t know how. His mind was too fractured, too lost in its own darkness. The knife was still in his hand, still resting against his skin, and he could feel its weight more clearly now.

Sirius barely registered his own movements. It happened so fast, his body acting before his mind could catch up. He pushed the blade into his chest with one fluid movement, before pulling it back out.

The blood came fast, warm and crimson, spilling onto the floor.

“Sirius! No- no, no, no- stay with me, please!”

Maybe this is what it’s like to disappear. Maybe this is what I’ve always wanted.

And as the darkness closed in, Sirius let go.

Because what was a ship without an anchor?

@estellethewriter happy cake day!!!

pt 1, pt 2, pt 4

[echotoyou]

Euphoria: Jungkook

Part of the I miss you Collection

pairing: boyfriend!jeon jungkook x gn!reader

what's inside: the cuddliest cuddle session of them ALL with your boyfriend (who is also your favorite weighted blanket)

warnings: kisses, allusions to smut but no actual smut, reader redirects when jungkook makes a move, all are happy and comfortable with the new direction

word count: 993

a/n: iiiii couldn't wait to get this one out haha this little drabble was definitely inspired by the line in seven "I kiss your waist and ease your mind" bc that IMAGE lol okay enjoy part two of the I miss you collection! I have ones planned for each member + an ot7 one -- any requests for who's next?

posted august 2024 (also on ao3)

It was finally Friday night. Work had finished for the week a few hours ago and you had a few fun plans already scheduled for the coming weekend days. You always enjoyed a good mix of planned and spontaneous activities and event and luckily your boyfriend wholeheartedly agreed with you.

You and Jungkook had just made it official a few months ago, falling into each other’s life like pieces in a puzzle. It always felt easy to be around him and he clearly enjoyed being around you too. 

With the Merry-Go-Round of Life and the end credits of Howl's Moving Castle softly tinkling in the background, you glanced down at where Jungkook had nestled into your side. You had somehow stayed awake during the film, likely because you were still sitting relatively upright, but Jungkook didn’t seem to fare as well – he had started the film sitting next to you, one hand in yours with the other holding your waist.

As Sophie argued her way into the Castle life and befriended Calcifer, Jungkook had pulled his legs up onto the sofa, becoming nearly horizontal and maneuvering himself so his head rested on your lap. Your hand had moved to soothe his shoulder, eventually reaching to rest on his waist. You’re not positive he started snoring, but it was definitely a possibility as the soft colors of the Ghibli film danced in your living room and you felt his breath even out. The night had been the perfect way to wind down from a tough week, held in the embrace of the man you adore. 

It’s perfect. And then it's not.

You're actually dying of thirst and for some unknown reason you left your water bottle just out of reach. You war with yourself for a moment, hesitant to disturb your incredibly comfortable partner when he starts to stir and stretch. You’re nearly certain he can read minds when he mumbles, “Mmm that’s such a good movie. I’m gonna get some water, do you want some?” 

Your “yes please” in reply is so quick, and his half-asleep-dark-fluffy-hair-gray-sweatshirt-wearing grin and nod make you feel like you’re falling in love all over again. Your eyes follow him into the kitchen, and you turn to sit with your knees against your chest facing the kitchen.

As he makes his way back with a glass of water in each hand, mischief glints in his eyes. He sets the glasses down on your coffee table and suddenly pulls your legs to rest on the long part of the sofa. Your small “oof” from the movement causes both of you to chuckle. He settles in the space between your legs and resumes his position from earlier, laying his head on your lap, this time with his eyes blinking up at you, a devious little smirk on his face. 

At your nod, he lifts the edge of your shirt, sliding a cool hand to settle on your hip, and kisses your waist, lips easily finding a spot that makes you sigh. 

You sigh into his touch and close your eyes, your work due dates and family conundrums floating out of your mind as you focus on where soft fingers are dancing along your skin. His hands gently grasp your waist, your hips, back to your waist, your left thigh, then your right, as he peppers kisses along your stomach. 

You feel a hand dance at your belt buckle and open your eyes, meeting his brown doe ones. His seem to have a hint of mischief today as he stares up at you. It’s been a long week though, and you’d rather not start something that’ll keep you both up late. You gently cover the tattooed hand directly on the buckle and give him the biggest pout you can muster, while whispering loud enough so he can hear, “I’m not feeling up to it tonight. Uh. Can we just…” your words die down as a bit of anxiety touches your thoughts at his potential response, “… cuddle?” 

You feel the chuckle rumble up his stomach before you hear it as he replies, “just cuddle? Baby, you know I love cuddling with you, especially if it’s what you want to do tonight. Anything else I can grab you before we commence operation: cuddle time?” His voice turns slightly terminator-y at the end of his sentence, making you laugh as you shake your head no. 

You reach over for the glass of water and take a quick sip as you feel him settle between your legs and lean his head on your stomach. His arms reach around your waist and interlock behind your back and he settles into you like a warm weighted blanket onto your body. His sigh matches yours as you gently begin to breathe in sync.

Your hand moves to stroke his soft, so incredibly soft, how the fuck does he get it so S O F T hair, pushing it rhythmically out of his eyes. It’s your favorite length right now, with little curls and a set of long bangs that you’re going to beg him to keep. With every stroke of your hand, his eyes start to flutter shut before quickly reopening. After a few minutes, his eyes slowly close completely and do not reopen. You continue for a little longer before you feel him squeeze your waist and wonder if he’s going to suggest you both move to your bed for some proper cuddling. Instead, you begin to hear soft snores as his hands relax. 

A small smile crosses your face as you take in your sleeping boyfriend. The tension drains from his face as he sinks deeper. You love that as simply as he can ease your mind, it feels like you can do the same for him. 

Your eyes also start to drift shut, the weight of his body on top of yours providing a comforting pressure similar to your beloved weighted blanket. Warm, soft, and cozy.

dividers by the amazing @strangergraphics!!!

[nxghtstxne]

JJ Maybank before he was your boyfriend headcanons

Warnings: None

Pairings: JJ Maybank x reader

Word Count: 993

*based in the same timeline as the JJ as your boyfriend headcanons so some things may be similar*

-The moment JJ first saw you walking along the beach with Sarah, he knew he needed you.

-He didn’t understand what the feelings he was feeling were at first; never really liking girls for anything other than a quick fling, and if he ever did then he pushed the feelings away before they could grow to anything else.

-He couldn’t do this with you though, the pogues had become quite attached to you, your personality and energy filling a gap they didn’t know they had.

-Even JJ couldn’t deny that it was refreshingly nice whenever you were around.

-You were new to the area so he took it upon himself to show you around, he took you to some of favourite areas, saving his most favourite ones for another time.

-You rather quickly became attached to the boy, finding him bringing you out of your shell, JJ was the first person you went to whenever you needed something. 

-Sarah and Kiara would tease you all the time about how blushy and happy you got whenever JJ would text you or send you a snap, you obviously denied everything but even deep down you knew you had it bad for him.

-Likewise John B and Pope would try and get JJ to admit he had feelings for you, at first he was still partly in denial, not wanting to make himself vulnerable. But after a big heart to heart with the boys he was finally comfortable admitting he liked you. 

-After that it was almost impossible to get him to shut up about you, he was constantly “guys look at what y/n sent earlier” and “oh this is y/n’s favourite song!” 

-Not long after, JJ would take any chance he got to be close to you, sitting on the couch at the chateau, grabbing the seat close to you in the twinkie- most of the time he would choose the seat opposite you in the van just so he had an excuse to glance at you every now and then, walking to the beach on a surfing day, he would happily walk next to you and offer to carry your stuff even though you denied more often than not.

-All of this wasn’t one sided, you would do the same towards him and he would be lying if he said he didn’t get butterflies or flustered for a few seconds whenever your hands brushed his or your gaze lingered a little too long for it to be platonic.

-He was caught by the other pogues on multiple occasions gazing at you with the most lovestruck look on his face, especially when you were reading or softly singing along to your favourite music. 

-The rest of the pogues knew the two liked each other, they’re best friends and the girls spoke to the boys about ways to get you to admit feelings for the other.

-There were three moments in particular that made JJ realise he truly loved you, not just like. 

-The first was when you excitedly made your way over to him when he and Pope got to the beach, handing him something with the most beautiful smile he’s seen yet, you walked  away before you could see his reaction, you didn’t wanna see if he didn’t like it, but you missed the way his mouth hung slightly open and his eyes glazed over a little as he held the handmade bracelet in his hand. You had used sea glass and beads and some little gemstone chips and wrapped them all up in coloured thread, just for him. It was the first time anyone had handmade something for him and just for him. 

-The second time was when he was woken up by the sound of your voice as you walked in the chateau talking to John B. When he came out of his self claimed room rubbing his eyes he definitely didn’t expect to see you with a bag of t-shirts and a hoodie or two, you handed them to him and at a closer look they were his clothes. You had washed his clothes for him? This was when he realised that one of your love languages was acts of service and it made sense. When he asked you about it all you had said was “just taking care of my boy yeah?”  you had said it like it was the most natural thing in the world- your boy.

-The third time was when you had noticed on multiple occasions the rumbling of his stomach (as well as John B’s) and the way the kitchen at the chateau was never stocked. Coming back from a bike ride with Pope, JJ was surprised to see you cooking, the shelves a little more full then before, with some of everyone's favourite snacks too. You had turned to glance at them and made eye contact with JJ before giggling and focusing back on your cooking. 

-You were taking care of him in ways that no one had before, and at first he was ashamed, he should know how to cook and clean his own clothes for god's sake, and maybe he could if he really tried but he never really had the motivation to care for himself before you came along.

-You had reassured him when he brought this up to you during an emotional talk that you didn’t mind doing some of these things for him and the rest of the group, you were good at looking after people. 

-It was after this that JJ decided he was going to show you he loved you too, becoming more comfortable with hugging you, and putting his arm around you any chance he could.

-Eventually that grew to hand holding and he swore it felt like your hands were made to be held in his.

-It wasn’t long after this that the two friends finally admitted they were in love with each other. 

[kai-anderson-whore]

Don’t yell at my son (step- dad kai Anderson x mom reader)

Summary: you were out and kai was looking after his five year old stepson, but you come home to kai yelling at your child

Warnings: angst, yelling at a child, child crying, mentioning of parent leaving before child is born, arguments, threats of leaving, fluff at the end

Word count: 993

A/n: let’s pretend the cult never existed also this was a finished draft from months ago

•¤❅¤•.•°˚˚°•..•°˚˚°•.•¤❅¤•.•¤❅¤•.•°˚˚°•.

Kai was watching his five year old step son Leon whilst you did some grocery shopping, Leon climbed up the recliner beside the mantelpiece knocking down a vase with a loud shattering noise, kai stormed up from the basement grabbing Leon's arm.

"What did you do" kai yelled frightening your son, "I'm sorry" Leon whimperd in fear, "you little brat you always misbehaving when your mom isn't here" kai seethed his face going red with anger.

"I'm sorry" Leon cried, you walked into the house overhearing everything, "I don't know how your mother can put up with you go to your room" was the last thing kai yelled to your son, you stepped into the living room hearing your sons footsteps along with his sobs.

"What is going on here?" You asked brows furrowed, "he smashed the vase your mother bought you" kai stated holding his hand out to the shattered glass, "so you decided to yell at my son and make him cry?" You questioned laying the grocerys on the recliner.

"He needed disciplined y/n he can't go around the house smashing anything that he pleases " kai exclaimed, "but its not your place to give in into trouble and it’s certainly gives you no right to yell at him kai I'm his mother you'll wait till I'm home and I'll tell him off in a way that won't make him cry" you raised your voice angry that kai made your son cry, it wasn't his place to tell your son off in the short time you had been together.

"How will he learn he's out of control" kai yelled frantically pacing around the room. “he's fucking five years old kai I bet you were the same when you were Leon's age you leave it and wait and tell me it's not your place" you stated walking to the staircase taking on step before stopping.

"You better apologise to my son kai your lucky I'm giving you one more chance because I do love you but if it happens again you won't be here anymore" the last thing you told him before going upstairs to check on your son.

Entering Leon's room you heard his sobs your heart breaking opening the door, "go away" he huffed his back turned to you under the covers. “it's mommy buddy" your voice was calm and comforting to Leon making him turn his little body to you. “I'm sorry" he whimperd you laid with your son on his bed wrapping your arm around him so he could Cuddle into you.

"It was a little accident buddy they happen, but kai shouldn't have shouted at you so he's in a lot more trouble" you whispered placing a kiss on his head, "he can't get into trouble he's an adult" Leon said wiping his red tinted eyes, "adults can get into trouble to sweetie kai shouldn't have been as hostile as he was" you smiled your son nodded his head cuddling into you.

"But it will not happen again I promise and if it does then it will be just you and me" you said it had only been you and Leon since day one since his real father walked out on you both when you were mid way through the pregnancy. You met Kai two and a half years ago and since then you never left each others side. After the first year Kai asked for you and Leon to move in with him it had been perfect since then.

"No I like kai he's like my daddy" Leon whined you let out a smile even though you were pissed off at kai, but Leon loves kai apart from what happened a few minutes ago kai's been sweet and caring to Leon, showing him what it's like to have a dad.

Speaking of the devil the bedroom door slowly opened revealing kai now calm, "can I come in buddy?" He asked your son Leon just nodded, kai entered the room sitting on the foot of the bed, "look Leon I'm sorry for shouting at you it wasn't nice I was just scared that you would get hurt and I'm new to this whole step dad thing, but it's no excuse I do love you like you are my own son" Kai sighed.

Leon let out a huge smile almost taking kai down in a hug, "I forgive you" Leon chuckled you couldn't help but smile at the pair but you weren't going to forgive kai that easily, you decided to leave the boys to it going back to put the groceries away.

You were halfway through putting the groceries away when you heard footsteps behind you. “Look y/n I’m sorry, I panicked he could have gotten hurt or anything I really didn’t mean it” Kai apologised. “I get that your new to this Kai but you got to remember it’s been me and Leon since day one, I’m just not used to anybody doing my job I guess but it didn’t give you the right to shout at him”. “I know and I know sorry won’t cut it I just hope you can forgive me” he says wrapping his arms around you. “I forgive you but I mean it if it happens again I’m out my son comes first” you warned.

Kai cleaned up the broken glass whilst you bathed your son. Soon enough it was night all three of you were snuggled up on the couch watching a movie. You were too distracted by the animation film you hadn’t realised that Kai and Leon were fast asleep. Kai had his arm around your son, Leon was snoring laying his head on Kai’s side. You let out a smile taking a picture of the perfect moment so you could have it forever.

[starstruckmoony]

call it what you want.

masterlist

pairing - remus lupin x fem!reader

summary - part two of the social media concoction i came up with. it gets pretty tooth-rottingly fluffy in some parts but this wouldn't be a fic of mine if it weren't for the tooth-rooting fluff.

trope/tags - band/celeb!au, instagram/social media!au, modern!au, fluff, terrible humour

word count - 993

warnings - language

part 1 / part 2 / part 3

yourusername added to their story

rjlupin

❤ liked by mmmckinnon, vance_emm, xeno_lovegood and 1,930,392 others

rjlupin never felt more appreciated

tagged yourusername

29,067 comments

yourusername did you like it?

rjlupin it was so good i almost vomited

starmanblack i'm still mad bc we didn't make the furry one 😐

rjlupin you took part in this? starmanblack IT'S Y/N'S FAULT

pete__ why does it look like it was written with ummmm 👀👀

yourusername what if it was? 😳 bartyyy WHOSE yourusername fym whose? it's just white icing 🤨

lily_evans kids these days

yourusername weren't you the one who suggested to write "deez nuts" on it? prongsyboy you just got exposed for having bad humour lily_evans we're breaking up

user3835292 LMFAOO

user7382380 this is what i call poetry

yourusername

❤ liked by pandorasbox, bartyyy, prongsyboy and 1,999,738 others

yourusername the cutest

22,044 comments

rjlupin i miss you two

yourusername awwee we miss you too

lily_evans CUTEST BOY EVER

prongsyboy what about me? lily_evans you're of your own sort

r.a.black cats are superior

yourusername is that why the only posts of mine you ever interact with are the ones of my cats? r.a.black correct

user709990 WHERE'S TAYLOR?

yourusername she was napping in the kitchen 😭😭 user709990 HSHDJAHDJQNSNQNDNWB

user020994 everybody's favourite cat

user372838 REMUS' COMMENT??????

user139299 IS THAT REMUS' SWEATER?

user300011 THE SWEATER HELLO??????

yourusername

❤ liked by lily_evans, ev.rosier, marymacdonald and 1,999,738 others

yourusername can't believe i spent the whole day with this idiot

tagged rjlupin

22,044 comments

starmanblack i would literally rather die

rjlupin love you too sirius

casmeadowes write us some music please 🙏🙏 i'm craving for a new album

mmmckinnon soon soon soon

maraudersofficial wow and you rejected my offer to go watch puss in boots 🙄 so rude

yourusername sorry james but remus was being a baby and i didn't want him to cry rjlupin i'm gonna sue you for slander

user372838 you two have been spending lots of time together lately 🤨

user020994 HEIQJAJ WHEN IS IT MY TURN TO BE HAPPY

user709990 i'm sleeping on the highway tonight

user139299 wake me up when they start dating bc i can't put up with this no longer

user82111 NAH BUT THEY'RE BEING OBVIOUS

rjlupin

❤ liked by yourusername, r.a.black, lily_evans and 2,188,033 others

rjlupin i think y/n loves her cats more than me

tagged yourusername

23,901 likes

yourusername suck it up

rjlupin where's the empathy you were on about? yourusername i left it at home

r.a.black cats>people

yourusername exactly reggie

marymacdonald i love you equally if that helps

rjlupin thank you mary

user738881 OFC SHE DOES IT'S CATS

user272771 i can love you more than my cat

user323276 but cats remus

user001231 CAN SOMEONE BE THE Y/N TO MY REMUS I WANT THIS FRIENDSHIP SO BAD

user734444 bro u mad delusional if u think this is friendship 💀 user001231 are you volunteering?

yourusername

❤ liked by pete__, prongsyboy, starmanblack and 2,022,704 others

yourusername moonlight out may 15 🤍

37,898 comments

rjlupin when can i preorder?

yourusername very soon my love

prongsyboy feeling excited

starmanblack something tells me it's gonna be your best one to date

yourusername egomaniac

user738277 OH MY HOD IT'S HAPOENING

user229994 HOLY FCJING SHIT THERES JO WAYQUDBQHDHQHDNQJDBBW

user737470 DID SHE JUST CALL REMUS "MY LOVE"?????

user829384 THE NAME??? MOONLIGHT? REMUS? MOONY? IS THIS PR? IT BETTER NOT BE PR

user300111 I'M SOBBING SHDJAJXNSBS

user383838 TAKE MY MONEY

user001213 PLS TELL ME THERE'S A COLLAB ALL 4 MARAUDERS LIKED THE PHOTO

user030390 STFU LET'S NOT CLOWN AGAIN

celeb_gossip

❤ liked by yourusername, rjlupin and 56,086 others

celeb_gossip rumour has it that rjlupin and yourusername have been in a happy relationship since summer '21. the two young stars have been spotted together once again! they must really enjoy spending time together, as they've been captured on several occasions since their friendship has become public and their interactions don't exactly seem "platonic", if you get what we mean 😉 despite of these obvious receipts, many are skeptical and think the relationship is purely just another pr stunt, especially since yourusername just announced her new album that is very likely to involve a collaboration with maraudersofficial 🤔 what do you guys think? 👀 let us know in the comments 😘

7,770 comments

user556464 i think you should leave them tf alone <3

user182828 tea pages are so weird like get a life bro

user262626 I KNEW IT

user677747 omgg i hope it's true i've been shipping these two for so long

user555668 y'all ever heard of privacy? 🤨

user075222 WHAT.

user333933 you can't even tell who it is 😭

user086443 GUYS THEY LIKED THE POST SJOQHYIQHSJ

user285551 WHAT TGE HELL

user124000 LMFAO NOT THEM BOTH LIKING IT

rjlupin

❤ liked by vance_emm, starmanblack, casmeadowes and 2,798,929 others

rjlupin it was in fact never pr

tagged yourusername

42,990 comments

yourusername can't believe someone would even think that

rjlupin maybe we weren't lovey dovey enough

yourusername we should step up our game

rjlupin wanna kiss in the rain?

yourusername you don't even have to ask

mmmckinnon i knew HEHEHEHEHE

lily_evans AWWWWW

bartyyy about time

pandorasbox CUTIES

starmanblack not the tea page being right

user003021 WAIT A DAMN MINUTE

user285554 IT WASN'T PR IT WASN'T PR AHSHAHSHAHSNABS

user222399 HOW LONG HAVE YOU TWO BEEN PLAYING WITH US 😭😭

user356456 MY PARENTS DJQJDJQJSQ

user422222 OH NY JEUSUSUSHDQUXHHQS

user532111 FIQODI1USH IS THIS FOR REAL

user106626 IM LIETRALU CRUING

yourusername

❤ liked by lily_evans, xeno_lovegood, ev.rosier and 2,782,53 others

yourusername i love my silly little boyfriend

tagged rjlupin

39,843 comments

rjlupin i love you too

yourusername it will unfortunately not pass rjlupin *fortunately

marymacdonald YOU GUYS ARE SO CUTE EHEHEH

mmmckinnon i knew about them long before all of you TAKE THAT

r.a.black isn't he taller than you lolol

starmanblack REG SHUT UP LET THEM BE CUTE

vance_emm so happy for you two ❤

user002931 IM SHITTING TEARS

user362678 ok now marry him

user777771 MY PRAYERS HAVE WORKED AT LAST

user322256 i feel like world peace has been restored

user988211 whatever you do, don't break up

user300102 SOULMATES

rjlupin added to their story

tagging moots again :D

@littlemissscarlettwitch @innerloverpainter @goodoldfashionedluvergirl @withastrangerheart @forourmoons @forsiriussake @sw34terw34ther @nyxxxxxxxx @laluna0 @incorrectwolfstar

[aleskie-hischier]

ANYWAY, DON'T BE A STRANGER | Quinn Hughes x Reader SUMMARY: He's the ghost from your past that's come back to haunt you.

Word Count: 993 Warnings: none. ♫ Listen: Scott Street by Phoebe Bridgers ♫

Walking down the streets of your hometown felt strange, like walking through a fog of memories. The emotions were high, and maybe that was partly due to the Long Island iced tea your mother had insisted you order. “This new place makes the best one!” she’d claimed, and she was right, as usual.

Now, here you were, slightly buzzed, your steps a little slower, and the cool night air brushing against your skin as memories of your past swirled around you like a haunting melody.

You passed familiar landmarks—the street where you used to rollerblade, watching the boys play street hockey. Summers spent by the lake, the sun burning your skin a familiar shade of pink. Winters, cold and biting, and springs that never seemed to warm up fast enough. And autumn, with its crunchy leaves under your feet, leaving that satisfying crunch you always loved as a kid.

The weight of nostalgia pressed on your chest as you circled back to your old block. The house on the corner, with its chipped paint and manicured bushes, stopped you in your tracks. Your heart ached as it tugged you back to old memories—ones you tried not to dwell on.

Thirteen-year-old you, shy and awkward, sitting at the rink after school to watch him play hockey. Fourteen, matching Halloween costumes, giggling in the cold October air. Fifteen, snowball fights in the dead of winter, the two of you against the world—or, at least, his brothers. Sixteen, when things shifted, when you’d held hands for the first time, his jacket wrapped around your shoulders when the cold became too much. Seventeen, when your world was soft touches and sweet kisses.

You think of being eighteen. The stakes are higher. The emotions ran deeper. You think of the anxiety, of the uncertainty. You think of how he wanted you to come with him, how everything came crashing down with one sentence from your mouth: “I’m not giving up Stanford for you.”

The memory hits you like a wave, flooding you with the rawness of that moment—the way his face fell, the hurt in his eyes before he turned and walked away. No words. Just the finality of it, the weight of something so important slipping away without either of you being able to stop it. It was over.

You shake your head, pushing those thoughts away. It’s been years. Things are different now. You’re different now. But just as you make a move to leave, you see him.

Quinn Hughes.

Still as beautiful as the day he left, and still capable of sending your heart into a flutter. He stares at you like he’s seeing a ghost, as if you’re some distant dream from his past that’s come to life. You stare back, not sure if you’re ready to face the memory you’d left behind.

“Hi,” he says, his voice catching slightly. “Long time, huh?”

“Yeah.” It’s all you can manage.

“How—” He clears his throat, the sound awkward between the two of you. “How’ve you been?”

You can feel the questions he’s holding back. How was Stanford? How has life been without me? Do you miss me? Do you think of me?

“I’ve been well,” you say, forcing a small smile. “Busy.” It feels like you’re choking on the tension.

“Yeah,” he murmurs, glancing down the street. “I never see you around anymore.”

There’s so much left unsaid in that sentence. He doesn’t mention how his brothers still follow you on Instagram, or how his mom gives him updates about you from time to time. He doesn’t tell you how much it’s hurt him to be away from you, how much it still stings.

You hum in response. The silence stretches between you, thick and heavy.

“How are your brothers?” you ask, grasping at straws to keep the conversation going. “I heard you’re all in the NHL now.” You let out a small laugh. “Time flies, doesn’t it? Makes me feel so old.”

He chuckles softly. “C’mon, what does that make me?”

For a moment, the banter feels almost familiar, like a whisper of what once was. But it’s fleeting, and the awkwardness quickly returns, the weight of years between you hanging heavy. Things between you will never be the same again. He made sure of that on the day he turned his back to you and left.

“How is it?” You ask after a pause. “Playing in the league?”

He shrugs, hands shoved into his pockets. “It’s a lot. But…it’s good.”

He doesn’t think you know he’s been named captain. He doesn’t tell you. He doesn’t think you’d care. Not when it involves the center of what drove you two apart.

You nod, unsure of what else to say.

“What brings you back here?” he asks, and you hesitate.

“Oh, just…” You take a deep breath. “Dropping off wedding invites to the family.”

You try not to notice the way his expression falters, the flash of hurt that crosses his face.

“Congrats.” It’s flat. You don’t think he really means it. 

Another silence stretches between you. It’s strange, how once upon a time you could talk for hours without even trying. Now, it’s like you’re strangers, grasping at fragments of what you used to be.

“Anyway,” you say, finally breaking the tension, “I’ll be here for a couple more days. If you see me around…” You flash him a soft smile, though it feels forced. “Don’t be a stranger.”

He looks at you, his eyes burning into yours in a way that makes your heart ache. “Yeah,” he says quietly, “I’ll see you around.”

“See you around, Quinny,” you whisper.

You turn to leave, but something pulls you to glance back one last time. Your eyes meet, and in that brief moment, the two of you share a look—a knowing, unspoken understanding. A look that says everything words can’t.

Thank you. I'm sorry. I loved you.

Some ghosts from the past never truly fade.

[ghostofaboy]

Take Your Time

Pairing: Din Djarin/Cobb Vanth  Rating: Explicit Word count: 993

Warnings: Rimming, little bit of degradation, hints of Dom/sub, orgasm control

Summary: Finally having some time to themselves, Cobb rims Din for the first time, who finds that he likes it a little too much.

Note: This has not been beta read so apologies for any mistakes. This was a request from @alwaysmicado as part of my 100 Follower Celebration.

Din's breath caught in his throat as he felt Cobb's hands roaming over his exposed skin. Their time together was usually rushed, hurried hand jobs and the occasional almost fully clothed fuck whenever their paths crossed. But this time was different. They had the time to take their time.

After the events with the Pykes, Cobb had been out of action, resulting in the citizens of Freetown stepping up to fill his position. Something that they had done wonderfully, allowing Cobb to time to heal without needing to worry about the town. When Din had received Cobb’s message, he'd hopped into the N1 faster than a lolth cat with its tail on fire.

Here on Tatooine Freetown was a haven, for him and Cobb. Here Din knew Grogu would be safe with the kindly teacher who regularly wrangled the children who called the small town home. And that left him and Cobb with time. Something Cobb was eager to take advantage of.

Stifling a moan, Din let his head drop down, feeling the cool metal of his helmet as it rested against his forearm, as Cobb continued to touch and tease him. After stripping his clothes off him, Cobb had instructed Din to get on all fours on the bed. Din had done as he was asked, expecting to be fucked by Cobb. What he hadn't expected was for his lover to lick and suck on his balls in this position while his hands roamed over Din's exposed ass.

His cock was achingly hard, throbbing in time with his heartbeat as Cobb's fingers skirted over his tight ring of muscle over and over. His lover's breath felt hot against his naked skin as Cobb began to kiss his way up from Din's balls to his hole.

A sudden lick across his hole caught Din off guard and he jumped on reflex.

"Easy darlin'." Cobb soothed, pulling Din's cheeks further apart. "Just relax for me. I've been thinkin' about eatin' this ass for a long time. And we’ve got all day for me to take my time."

"I-" Was all Din was able to get out before Cobb's tongue began to circle his hole.

Cobb started with small quick licks, lapping at Din's ass, pulling gasps and moans from the Mandalorian. Then, steadily, Cobb increased his attention. Holding Din's cheeks firmly with both hands, Cobb kissed and probed the waiting hole, humming his approval as he went.

"Such a pretty sight." Din could hear Cobb's musings in between the licks and kisses. “Love you like this pretty boy. On your knees for me. On display. Perfect.”

Din’s cock twitched as Cobb’s words as the warm wet sensation of his tongue overtook all other stimuli. His whole body trembled as Cobb’s hot tongue darted over his hole, probing it, seeking entry. Din could feel his legs beginning to shake as his climax began to build. He’d never experienced anything like this before, having never trusted a partner this much prior to Cobb. 

Din’s cheeks burned under his helmet as Cobb slowly and steadily worked his ass open with the tip of his tongue. With each nudge against the ring of muscle, the moans and gasps coming from Din grew louder. With each gentle penetration, Din could feel himself being pushed closer and closer to the edge.

Beneath him, Din knew his cock was leaking onto the sheets and, from the chuckles from Cobb, it sounded like his lover had noticed too. Din tensed briefly as Cobb’s fingers encircled the base of his cock, temporarily stemming Din’s approaching orgasm. Cobb laughed softly as Din let out a needy whine.

“Oh now, don’t grumble.” Cobb pulled back, but Din could still feel his breath on his hole as he spoke. “You wanna come, darlin’?”

“I… I… yes.” Din managed to get out, pushing his hips back towards Cobb instinctively. 

“Now now.” Cobb playfully squeezed Din’s ass cheek with his right hand, still holding the base of his cock firmly with the other. “Where are your manners? I said, do you want to come?”

Din’s thighs were shaking uncontrollably now as he blinked his eyes, desperately not to come before given permission.

“P-please.” Din groaned out, his eyes rolling back into his head as Cobb released his grip on Din’s cock. 

“That’s better.” Cobb’s voiced was muffled, his lips already pressed to Din’s twitching hole as he began to work his tongue back inside. 

Over and over the kisses, licks, along with the gentle nips at Din’s cheeks and Cobb’s hands squeezing them firmly assaulted Din’s already overstimulated body. The world fell away until all Din knew was Cobb’s mouth devouring him and the aching of his own cock.

“Please, I need more… I need you to… Cobb please…” Din rambled as his climax neared. 

“I know.” He heard Cobb from behind him. “Look at you, though, My gorgeous little slut. I wanna enjoy this for a little longer and you know I love it when you beg.”

“Please Cobb.” Din knew whether he got permission to come or not, the moment Cobb’s tongue touched him again he was done. “Please, please, I need…”

“It’s no fun when you give in that easy.” Cobb chuckled. “All right. You also know I’m a sucker for you when you say please so pretty.”

With no warning, Cobb returned his attention to Din’s ass, his tongue circled the rim, before beginning to lap firmly. Letting out an obscene moan, Din’s body shuddered as he came, thick ropes erupting from his untouched cock in bursts as Cobb’s mouth never left his ass. 

Finally, as the fog began to lift from Din’s mind, he could still feel Cobb’s tongue gently nudging against his hole. Looking over his shoulder, Din was rewarded with a cheeky wink from Cobb. It looked like Cobb wasn’t done with him yet and was going to make the most of having Din for the day and take his time. 

[jo-harrington]

Corroded Coffin Fest - Day 5 - On the Road Again

Summary: Gareth enrolls in the Eddie Munson Driving School.

Word Count: 993–CUTTING IT CLOSE GOD DAMN

Rating: T

Warnings/Themes: Angst, some swearing, coming of age friendship fluffiness.

Check Out the Main Post for @corrodedcoffinfest here! Even if you didn’t start on Day 1, you can still join!

Tagging: @the-unforgivenn at her request

You can find my masterlist here.

Please do not interact if you are not 18+.

Enjoy!

Gareth Emerson was shitting bricks.

Or, rather, he would if he wasn’t so constipated from stress.

“Ew,” Dave pushed his lunch tray away. “Do you have to say that while we’re eating?

“Yes, Dave, I do,” Gareth snarked right back, arms curling around his midsection. “God. My stomach hurts.”

It was Gareth's first day of Driver's Ed and, unfortunately, he had done horrendously.

And it wasn't just bad, it was almost-crashed-the-driving-instructors-car bad. If anything could go wrong, it did, and nothing would make Gareth feel better than to go home and forget it all happened.

Better yet, if he could drop dead...

“Hey,” Eddie clapped a hand on the drummer’s shoulder. “Everything’s gonna be fine. The DMV let you have a permit, which means you're smart enough to drive...you just need practice."

"I hit the gas instead of the brake," Gareth deadpanned.

"An easy mistake," Eddie offered.

"I didn't check my blind spots, and almost hit Higgins while I was backing up."

"He deserves it."

"And then I pulled the steering wheel clean off."

Jeff and Dave both clapped hands over their mouths to stifle their laughter as Eddie used every piece of willpower on earth not to react in an extreme way.

"That..." He took a deep breath, searching for the kindest way to continue. "Yeah, damn...I don't know how the fuck you did that."

Gareth threw his hands into the air and was about to leave, over his friends judgment and just ready for the day to end, when Eddie pushed him back into his seat.

"Hey, I get it," he began. "Driving's a big deal. And it's hard when you get behind the wheel for the first time. But, hey, you weren't born knowing how to play the drums; you had to practice to get good. Same thing for driving."

"But what if I'm never good enough?"

"Impossible."

"Coach Simmons is never gonna let me drive again," Gareth moaned.

"Then we just find another car," Eddie shrugged. "Your mom's station wagon or...what if I let you drive the van? Show you a few things? I'm a great driver!"

Gareth didn't exactly have any other choices though, especially once he started getting the stress sweats on the days he had Driver's Ed.

So every Tuesday for an hour before their gig at the Hideout, he was officially enrolled in the Munson Driving Academy.

"Driver's Ed with Ed," he joked, earning groans from the others. "What, come on, it's funny."

Eddie had even made a sign to tape to the side and back of the van.

"So no one honks at us," he revealed with a flourish. "And if they do? Lesson Number One? You honk right back. The horn is your friend."

"Got it," Gareth nodded, and then climbed into the driver's seat.

"Or you just flip them off. You're already a pro at that Gare," Jeff snickered from the back of the van, where he and Dave were sitting, cramped, amongst their equipment.

Truly, Gareth was grateful for the lessons and the time and effort that Eddie put into them. Shit, he was even grateful for Jeff and Dave not saying a damn thing in the back while he was driving, even though they'd worn their bicycle helmets during that first lesson.

The thing was...

Eddie wasn't that great of a teacher.

At least when it came to driving.

There were certain things that he was a pro at.

He got Gareth to feel comfortable backing in to parking spots and making three-point turns. He'd even shared all of his tips about avoiding the cops and getting out of a ticket, knowing Mrs. Emerson would drop dead if Gareth ever got pulled over.

But despite half of Eddie's "tricks" being useful, for the other half of the time spend with Gareth, he had his nose in the exam booklet learning some of the things himself.

"Alright, we're coming up to this hill," he flipped through the pages. "Let's try parking."

"Where's your emergency brake?" Gareth asked as he pulled to the side.

"Uhhhh, it's next to that other switch right there, why do you need it?"

"I need to the emergency brake to park uphill Eddie!"

"Oh yeah," he flipped through the booklet again. "Good job!"

Gareth swore that he could hear prayers being muttered behind him during those lessons. And damn if he didn't say a prayer or two himself.

Needless to say, when the day of Gareth's driving exam finally arrived, all of the boys showed up to the Roane County DMV along with Gareth and his parents.

It was a momentous occasion, and Jeff and Eddie made a whole show of fussing over him.

"Our little buddy's all grown up," Jeff sniffed.

"Hey isn't that supposed to be my line?" Mr. Emerson joked.

Dave had even gotten a little package of cupcakes for them to celebrate once Gareth was out.

An hour passed, then two. All of the boys got restless as they waited in the van for the Emersons all to emerge.

But when they did, all of their hearts sank.

Gareth had his head in his hands, his mom's arm around his shoulders, as his dad simply shook his head in disappointment.

"Ah shit," Eddie cursed as Gareth shook his parents away to break the news to his friends. "How bad was it?"

"Did you miss a stop sign?" Jeff asked.

"Did you tank whole written test?" Dave questioned.

"It was one of the worst experiences of my life," Gareth moaned, eyes wrenched shut in pain.

And then, like the little shit he was, he pulled a laminated card out of his back pocket and proudly held it out to show his friends.

"It's a good thing I never have to do it again!" The other boys hollered and whooped and jumped around in celebration. "You guys wanna go to the arcade to celebrate? I'm driving."

[lifblogs]

It Does

Week 6 @summer-of-bad-batch Prompt: Battle Scars Rating: General Audiences Word Count: 993 Summary: Hunter works up the courage to ask Crosshair if the scars on his head ever hurt. READ ON AO3

“Does it ever hurt?” Hunter asked, words halting.

He and Crosshair were down by the docks, dusk painting the sky in purple and gold, the waters now dark, comfortable shadows enveloping them. The soft lapping of the water against the wood and the docked boats was soothing, which was probably the only reason Hunter had worked up the courage to even ask this.

“Does what hurt?” Crosshair spat. 

Oh, classic Crosshair.

“Your scars—the ones on your head,” Hunter explained.

“Did you take me down here just to talk about this?”

“No.”

He had just wanted a quiet moment with his brother—he felt all the work they were doing on their house recently had made it so they were always busy, always doing something. Most days Hunter appreciated that, the soldier in him always ready to be on the move, to strategize, to organize, to lead. He was still learning to take breaks, even when he woke up in the middle of the night, having a horrible fear clenching over his entire torso, and stealing his breaths, telling him he was in danger, that his family was in danger, that he was in the middle of battle. He didn’t tell anyone, but he used those moments to work on their home. Today he was just tired, so tired, and he was doing his best to listen to that for once. He had to remind himself he actually had the luxury to.

“I just think we needed a break,” he explained. “Besides, Wrecker, Tech, and Phee took Omega to that night market Shep’s hosting.”

“Yeah, that wasn’t really my scene.”

“So… the scars,” Hunter ventured again, guilt flooding his chest right above his stomach, like he’d swallowed too much of something too quickly, and it burned going down. “Do they—”

“Yes,” Crosshair admitted.

They sat for a bit, listening to the gentle water.

“Of course it hurts,” Crosshair went on. But his words weren’t bitter despite his tone. “Bacta helped to heal from it, but they had to do a skin graft.”

Hunter turned to look at his brother, to look at the scar.

“I don’t blame you,” Crosshair said. “I think I did for a long time, and in a way, I still hurt, but I see the choices we thought we had to make. What happened was inevitable. Besides, I shot you. You should be the one complaining.”

Hunter leaned back, resting his weight on the palms of his hands, watching the gold transform further into a to a deeper purple before his eyes. The lamp he’d brought with them that could sense when it was dark turned on, adding a soft, golden glow to their surroundings, lighting up Crosshair’s scar, casting shadows to the deeper pits in it.

Hunter made himself look, not because the scar was strange, but because he wanted to face the truth of it.

His brother was in pain.

“Sometimes I think my choices hurt more than the scar does,” Crosshair admitted. “I, uh… I had my inhibitor chip removed afterwards. It was my choice. I had AZI do it. I hid it from the Empire.”

Hunter’s eyes widened, and he looked at his face, the face that was still so-often closed off, that was working on showing honesty.

“What?”

“I didn’t want to say it before,” he went on. “It didn’t matter much to me because…” He sighed. “Because, well… I believed in the Empire, even without the chip. I tried so hard to believe in them, to believe they cared, that they’d given me a place, a purpose. I’m s—”

“Don’t apologize,” Hunter said.

Now it was Crosshair’s turn to look at him with confusion. “Why not?”

“The Empire hurt you in ways I didn’t understand—in ways none of us understood. You were working with the information you had, just like I was.”

Crosshair gave a slight shrug, and looked back to the water, kicking his feet.

“Heh, I guess so.”

“You still blame yourself, don’t you?” Hunter asked.

“Just as you do,” Crosshair responded, as sharp as ever, still able to not only pinpoint a precise target, but to understand everything he saw and took in. Watching others had given him a keen understanding of humanity, maybe one even stronger than the one Hunter’s enhanced senses gave him.

Hunter let out a deep exhale, the sound filling his ears, interrupting the beat of his brother’s heart to his senses.

“Yeah,” he admitted. “It’s stupid,” he eventually said. “We’ve been through so much, and we still have these—these battle scars.”

“What, you think scars just go away?” Crosshair asked, tone almost teasing, glancing at Hunter with an expression that anyone outside their family would have thought was disgust.

“No, but… time’s passed, and yet it’s still there. Why does it work that way? What is it doing for us? You know what I mean?”

“I do wish they would leave,” Crosshair admitted. “I don’t… hate you, Hunter. I’m not sure I ever really did.”

“Well, that’s a relief.”

Crosshair huffed out a laugh, and shoved him.

“You’re right though. It would be nice if it could stop hurting.”

“Does it ever?” Hunter asked, referring to Crosshair’s physical scars as well.

Crosshair smiled at him—he actually smiled (Hunter was so going to use this as blackmail)—and he said, “Yeah, it does.”

Hunter knew where his mind had gone, and his had inevitably gone to the same place: Omega, their family.

Hunter stood, grabbing the lamp, and then held out his hand to help Crosshair up. For a moment he felt his chest constrict (but in the most pleasant way) when Crosshair took his hand without hesitation. This was his brother, and he was happy to be with him, and it seemed Crosshair felt the same.

“Come on, I’m still hungry,” Hunter admitted. “Let’s go meet up with the others and see what food the night market has.”

“Thought you’d never ask.”

[kiwi-solace]

Devotion’s Fall (Teaser)

Brief: While living may not be as easy and comfortable as many, it was just fine to Y/n. Resigning herself to the circumstances, she’s come to accept her life and the future. When assisting a friend in attending the annual party of the kingdom’s prized royalty in finding their final soulmate for the first time, she expects a few days of playing pretend of what she wishes to be. But one should always be careful with the words you speak into the world.

Word Count: 993

Warnings: moderate injury, yandere (you know the drill), controlling behavior

A/N: Would you believe me if I said this was supposed to be finished in March? Btw Italics are not being spoken out loud! It’s in her head that’s all. Anyways, feel free to message me (￣∇￣)

...

Keep moving.

That’s all she could think of as she navigated through the dense forest that surrounded the kingdom’s domain. Seeking safety was top priority even if it brought her further away from a place she almost called home. 

Dodging the various roots and vines of the forest floor had taken a toll on her bare feet. There was no time to care about something as simple as shoes when there was rarely a moment of opportunity for this getaway. Deluded were she, to ignore the signs and fall victim to their sweet nothings and reassurances. There had to be a catch. It was stark in hindsight.

Lungs has since yelled for her user to stop for a simple break, but that’s too much of a luxury to afford for the situation, let alone being in a simple nightgown. The alarm bells keep the adrenaline pumping, knowing you only had a small headstart. You can hear the storming footsteps behind you even on this stormy night. The thunder unable to drown out those sent after you–those coming after you themselves. They’re getting too close for comfort.

“Find her now! If you come back without her you’ll have bigger problems to deal with than finding a mere human.” 

“We’re tired of this game of cat and mouse love.”

“It’s too dangerous outside for you— stop running.” 

There it was. Those damned commands they started using within you. Their blood is the cause of this. The entire connection is cursed. Why had she been chosen for not just one, but eight creatures that have sought not just her heart, but her unconditional love and obedience. 

Fighting the command with all her might slowed down her pace, a splitting headache begins in dismay of her disobeying. I will listen to you no more.

Being within a 50 mile radius of just one of them— let alone the eight of them— was more dangerous than the outside world. It’s sunshine and rainbows compared to them. With that thought, she attempts to speed up once again, only to trip on a slippery root infront of her beyond the kingdom’s wall. While the rain did aid in masking her scent with its downpour, it came to be her downfall when traversing haphazardly. It mocks her really. To know that you’re so close to being free from their jurisdiction, but even then there’s only one question: what happens? She laughs to herself at the thought. Maybe it’s the adrenaline or she’s losing it completely, but what’s to stop their pursuit even after fleeing the kingdom. They’ve proven to know no bounds when it comes to getting their way. Manipulation. Lies. Murder. It’s nothing new.

Groaning from the fall and newly acquired bruises, she attempts to get up again only to give out as another command is forced through. “Stop Now.” 

Everything begins to hurt as you try to resist again, but it’s futile. Finally, with her knees to the grown and head hung, she stops. 

Things never went accordingly. From your failure in aiding your friend in being chosen all the way to the hell that was to come as being the “missing piece” in this kingdom’s royal bloodline. It’s a curse. She doesn’t know who she wronged in life to be given such circumstances, but they succeeded in making her life miserable and seemingly temporary.

This was never her wish. Her words were twisted from a mere joke. It just goes to show how a person should always be careful with what they put out into the world. She can hear the gods laughing at her.

“Surround the area, I’m approaching!” Not like I can move.

She knows she won’t be let off easily this time being caught. Feigning innocence isn’t possible in this situation when knowingly disobeying the commands of her lovers— the king and his seven princes. The very beings responsible for the well-being of the kingdom and its prosperity.

Beings that promised when they found their missing bond, would they cherish and take care of them wholeheartedly. They’d know nothing except leisure and comfort as they delivered on their word of giving them the love they deserved. Thinking back, is this what she deserved? Tension, anger, exhaustion, skittish, helplessness—all things you’ve felt since your life had been uprooted from its natural continuance of a humble life.

“What did I deserve?” She spoke to no one.

Death seems to be the only way out from here. Her humanity a reminder that she still has something against them—something she can proudly claim. A way out. Maybe she should’ve been one of the many men and women throwing themselves at them. It looks like they got the better end of the stick with just dealing with rejection rather than this. Leaning against the trunk of a tree, she brings her knees to her chest slowly so as to not disturb her injury and rests her forehead atop her knees. The rain still pelting around her seemed to mask the approaching footsteps, or maybe she just didn’t care anymore. There’s no time to decide which one it is when said figure crouches beside her and places a hand on her shoulder.

“Did you finish your little adventure?”

Yeosang. It wasn’t said aloud, either to let the others into the conversation through their connection or because he knew she wouldn’t reply verbally. She didn’t care.

Met by silence, Yeosang sighs before repositioning himself to lift up his prize as the fragile princess he believes she is. The trek back wouldn’t take too long for him even with her in his arms.

“As much as we love you, you know the others will not let this go so easily,” he said out loud knowing it didn’t matter if there was a reply. Effective enough, the threat alone made her shiver because she knew what was waiting for her back in the castle would be the final descent into madness they’d want. Full compliance.

Their heaven, her soon to be hell.